European Court blasts Russia ‘gay propaganda’ law

A Russian law that bans gay “propaganda” encourages homophobia and discrimination, the European court of human rights has ruled. Three Russian gay rights activists brought the case against the 2013 federal statute, widely known as the “gay propaganda” law, after they were arrested between 2009-12 for protesting against local anti-gay laws, which became the model for the later national law. The Strasbourg-based ECHR said in a comprehensive demolition of the arguments advanced by Russian lawyers that “by adopting such laws the [Russian] authorities reinforce stigma and encourage homophobia, which is incompatible with the notions of equality, pluralism and tolerance inherent in a democratic society”. The Russian law bans giving children any information about homosexuality and is widely thought to have made life harder for gay Russians, who were already battling deep social prejudices. The European court of human rights concluded that Russia had violated the European convention on human rights on freedom of expression (article 10) and prohibition of discrimination (article 14). The state has been ordered to pay damages totalling €43,000 plus costs and interest within three months. The judgment was the majority opinion of six out of seven of the judges, only Russian judge Dmitry Dedov offered a dissenting opinion.

Dream Daddy, videogame about gay Dads circulating the web

Throughout the world Dream Daddy, the videogame about gay Dads in search of love, is enjoying a huge success. Developed by the noted youtube clan, Game Grumps, the game launched on July 20th, is an appointment simulator that introduces widow, Brian, who moves with his adolescent daughter to the city Read More.

Muslims and gay Americans unite against Trump

According to the Pew Research Center, Muslims are more tolerant of gays and diverse sexual orientation than evangelical Christians. At least, in the USA. Where 52% of the first group, against 34% of the second, declare that the lgbt community should be protected, accepted, and respected by all members of Read More.

An animated movie about love between two gay adolescents

For the first time, an animated short film tells about love between two gay teenagers. The film, named In a heartbeat, has been made by two American students, Beth Davis and Esteban Bravo, tells the story of Sherwin, an awkward, young teen, whose heart literally pops out of his chest Read More.

Blood donation rules relaxed for UK gay men

Blood donation restrictions for gay men are to be relaxed in England and Scotland under a series of equalities reforms. Gay men will be allowed to donate blood three months after sexual intercourse instead of a year. Advances in testing for blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis B and C and HIV, Read More.

Trump bans transgender people from serving in US military

Donald Trump has effectively banned transgender people from serving in the US military. In a series of tweets, US President said: "After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in Read More.

Traumas of unnecessary surgeries on intersex children

Many doctors around the world continue to perform medically unnecessary surgeries that can inflict permanent harm on intersex children, Human Rights Watch and interACT said in a report. The 160-page report, "I Want to Be Like Nature Made Me": Medically Unnecessary Surgeries on Intersex Children in the US, provides extensive Read More.